Subcutaneous Injection

Definition

A subcutaneous (sub-Q) injection is a shot that delivers medication into the layer of fat between the skin and the muscle. This type of injection can be given by a healthcare professional, or it can be self-injected.

Reasons for Procedure

Some medications need to be injected because they are not effective if taken by mouth.
Subcutaneous injections are an easy way to deliver this type of medication. Examples of medications given by sub-Q injection include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Giving a subcutaneous injection. National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.cc.nih.gov/ccc/patient%5Feducation/pepubs/subq.pdf. Updated June 2012. Accessed January 13, 2014.

How injection site rotation can help you control your diabetes. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/alerts/diabetes/JohnsHopkinsHealthAlertsDiabetes%5F949-1.html.
Updated May 7, 2009. Accessed January 13, 2014.

Selecting, evaluating, and using sharps disposal containers website. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—National Institure for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/97-111. Accessed January 13, 2014.